Abstract
Almost 2 out of 3 smokers do not quit smoking after cancer diagnosis. The majority finds it hard to quit, and about half of them feel the need to be helped in the process. To date, there is no therapeutic patient education program based on the educational needs of smokers with cancer. In this article, we have performed a survey consisting in semi-structured interviews among 16 smoking volunteer cancer patients during their care pathway. The Patients were 12 women and 4 men aged 52 years (±12 years). An analytic approach based on their situations was carried out to identify their barriers, problems and resources. Educational needs were elaborated according to the methods issued from the works of Martin and Savary. Our study allowed the identification of two barriers, seven problems, including one particularly important during chronic diseases, and 10 resources among which one was specific for oncologic patients. Twelve educational needs were elaborated and discussed in regards with current data from the literature on tobacco addiction. Our work allowed a better understanding of the experience of smokers with cancer and opens new prospects to integrate therapeutic patient education within the major international recommendations in tobacco addiction.